Michael Chastaine has been consistently honored by his peers and the legal community. He was selected for The Best Lawyers in America since 2013, Northern California Super Lawyers since 2005, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the 2018 Top 100 DUI Attorneys in Northern California list. He also holds a 10.0 top rating on AVVO, a peer-reviewed legal rating platform. Chastaine has long been recognized as one of the Sacramento area’s leading sex crime defense attorneys.

Throughout his legal career, Chastaine handled a wide spectrum of criminal matters, representing both adult and juvenile clients in state and federal courts, as well as before professional licensing boards. 

In 2007, Michael Chastaine founded Chastaine Law Firm, bringing decades of criminal defense experience to clients throughout Sacramento and surrounding counties. Before establishing the firm, he served 11 years as a Deputy Public Defender for Santa Clara County and five years with the county’s Alternate Defender Office.

Chastaine later withdrew from ownership of Chastaine Law Firm and concluded active legal practice. Ownership and leadership of the firm were assumed by Martin Jones, one of Sacramento’s most respected and esteemed criminal defense attorneys.  Known for his ethics and integrity, Martin Jones renamed the firm to Chastaine | Jones in recognition of Michael Chastaine’s foundational contributions.

Michael Chastaine now provides consultation services in advisory role.

Chastaine conducted over 95 jury trials in high-stakes criminal and sex crime cases and is recognized for winning five jury trials consecutively, an achievement that reflects his strategic expertise and courtroom effectiveness.

Reported Cases

Michael Chastaine was involved in several reported appellate decisions, including People v. Jenkins, addressing the application of California’s Three Strikes sentencing laws in murder cases, and Moore v. Superior Court, where the court clarified the Proposition 36 five-year washout period, expanding eligibility for drug treatment and probation instead of incarceration.

Award-Winning Author

Michael Chastaine is dedicated to educating the public about the legal system, firmly believing that knowledge is power. He is the author of five books offering practical guidance on avoiding legal problems and navigating the criminal justice system when accused of a crime. These works earned him the prestigious LEA Award (Legal Excellence Award for Literary Distinction).

Following a distinguished career as a practicing attorney and a long tenure as a radio host, Chastaine now connects with a wider audience on Facebook and Instagram, sharing legal insights, practical wisdom, and a spirit of adventure with those seeking knowledge and guidance.